Re: 2024/2025 Not Heineken Cup
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 11:25 am
I'm taking my boots to the Stoop on Saturday evening, I'll probably get onto the bench for the Stormers.
I'm taking my boots to the Stoop on Saturday evening, I'll probably get onto the bench for the Stormers.
I was out so didn't see the game but read on the way back 3 trips. Was that correct. And only 1 carded?JM2K6 wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2024 6:08 pm This is the dirtiest / most cynical Leinster performance I've seen in many a year. Two deliberate trips, a few very cynical penalties... What's going on?
Wasn't Serin cap in absence of Ollivon? Laughably, he apparently got MOTM and I thought he was his usual, terrible self. So many dire SH performances (SH's slowing the game down and aimless hoofing). VP for Leicester was worse.OomStruisbaai wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2024 7:02 pmSards talking kak like usual. All the Stormers Springboks are injured. Credit to Toulon, Their captain had a huge game. Rassie should crab him for the Springboks.Torquemada 1420 wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2024 1:24 pmCheersSards wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2024 10:50 am
It's basically franchises. With clubs supposedly responsible for the Currie Cup. 3 Franchises have investment partners. The Bulls are funded by 2 South African billionaires and the Sharks are funded by a gambling empire which was turned down by the Stormers. So they went to the Sharks. Stormers are " funded " by a " family trust ". The clubs in the Western Province ( Stormers) carried too much weight on decisions. They forced the Stormers to turn down the Massoti investment deal so now they are sitting with very shallow pockets and most of their real talent has left to play at the Bulls and Sharks.
assfly wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 10:03 amI think if the Stormers and Sharks had their full squads available to them, then both would like to give the Champions Cup a good go. But when the injuries come in like they have now, then a decision has to be made which has to be focusing on URC first.Sards wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 9:11 am Still like to be competitive with our Springboks.
Dobson said something about it being vital to win home games. Not sure how it works but that reinforces your statement.
After the Stormers loss he said he will do what he can in the HCC but he was shifting his focus to the URC now and putting his strongest teams there. Bearing in mind he has some tough derbies ahead.
Libbok is in hospital and they are not sure how thats going to work out...so they are in a bad way.....and the Stomps are not happy with Dobbo\
You are so f**ked come the 6NThe Tigers’ scrum, against breeze-block Ben Tameifuna, was phenomenal; the work-rate of the pack’s back five was staggering, the two flankers especially; Jack van Poortvliet looked every bit an international scrum-half; Perese, Freddie Steward and Josh Bassett were fabulous.
I'm not quite as upbeat as that. My take pre-comp was for Toulouse (not exactly a hard one to tip) and UBB to be the T14's stand out chances. And even then, UBB haven't really performed to the levels one would hope: they saved itOomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 12:44 pm The French teams look in a different league on the weekend.
I've seen Glasgow quoted as dark horses (they are Scottish after all). I'd hope they make the semis, but they just do not have the depth to go all the way.Torquemada 1420 wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 1:18 pmI'm not quite as upbeat as that. My take pre-comp was for Toulouse (not exactly a hard one to tip) and UBB to be the T14's stand out chances. And even then, UBB haven't really performed to the levels one would hope: they saved itOomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 12:44 pm The French teams look in a different league on the weekend.
all for Leicester in that 2nd half! Outside of that
- LaR was a shock. There really look like an ageing team in decline, lacking appetite and with disciplinary problems.
- Toulon going okay but their 1/2 backs are playing an outdated style of rugby which will catch up with them in the manner it has for Eng at intl level.
- Racing are massively underperforming under Lancaster and Farrell at FH will only worsen their chances.
- and ASM are rebuilding and in the Mickey Mouse anyway
Everyone else is chucking out B/C teams.
It looks as much a case of other leagues being weaker. Most notably the Prem. I really expected much more from the Bulls. Maybe this race is already down to ST, UBB, Leinster and the Sharks with maybe an outside nod to Glasgow and Sarries.
One of several teams playing rugby worth watching. Would be good to see them and Saints run a bit deeper into the comp.weegie01 wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 1:35 pm
I've seen Glasgow quoted as dark horses (they are Scottish after all). I'd hope they make the semis, but they just do not have the depth to go all the way.
Yep, Settled team with quality all through the squad - that bench was ridiculous. Many other teams are/would struggle with a few key injuries.Tichtheid wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 2:23 pm You can never overlook Leinster in this competition. I'd love to see Glasgow get to the semis or even, whisper it, the final, but I think if they meet a really heavyweight pack they will struggle, the likes of Valianu and Dempsey coming back will help but they have pretty green locks at the moment, not counting Cummings.
The big issue for Leinster is that Toulouse or LaR can rest players, & still comfortably qualify for the playoffs, with the new format.OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 4:52 pm Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.
Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.
Barring whatever rest schedule that will be implemented for the Boks, Plum will have one of the best first XVs around to work with and no internationals to unsettle it all the way until end of season. It really should be able to survive some injuries and compete at the top end.OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 4:52 pm Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.
Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.
Boks will rest during 6 nations. Jan-MarchTheNatalShark wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 8:11 pmBarring whatever rest schedule that will be implemented for the Boks, Plum will have one of the best first XVs around to work with and no internationals to unsettle it all the way until end of season. It really should be able to survive some injuries and compete at the top end.OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 4:52 pm Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.
Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.
A photographer that represents the Sharks has been doing the rounds at the training sessions. See his link below. No Eben or any of the other 2 loosies injureds But a few fresh faces that have surfaced during our Currie Cup campaign. No Jurenzo. Looking forward to seeing him enter the larger stage at some point. And of course all the usual Springboks. Also saw Vincent Koch. But not sure if he is fit yet.TheNatalShark wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 8:11 pmBarring whatever rest schedule that will be implemented for the Boks, Plum will have one of the best first XVs around to work with and no internationals to unsettle it all the way until end of season. It really should be able to survive some injuries and compete at the top end.OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 4:52 pm Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.
Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.
See some female Sharks aswellSards wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2024 4:49 amA photographer that represents the Sharks has been doing the rounds at the training sessions. See his link below. No Eben or any of the other 2 loosies injureds But a few fresh faces that have surfaced during our Currie Cup campaign. No Jurenzo. Looking forward to seeing him enter the larger stage at some point. And of course all the usual Springboks. Also saw Vincent Koch. But not sure if he is fit yet.TheNatalShark wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 8:11 pmBarring whatever rest schedule that will be implemented for the Boks, Plum will have one of the best first XVs around to work with and no internationals to unsettle it all the way until end of season. It really should be able to survive some injuries and compete at the top end.OomStruisbaai wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2024 4:52 pm Sharks surely have the cattle to go all the way. But then they will need to play to their Springbok potential. Its way to early to predict after 1 round.
Leinster and Toulouse is the favorites in my books.
Sharks training
https://www.facebook.com/steve.haag1?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Got destroyed by Youyoute.
Saw the legal tackle and was wondering if it was that.laurent wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2024 11:47 amGot destroyed by Youyoute.
The ref red carded him but there was a blocking runner so not sure how it'll go in commission.
Also was flattened by the smallest man on the field just before Serin's try.
The top four from each pool of six go through.yermum wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2024 12:24 pm What is the format for getting to the final stages this year?
If it was the Scots they would claim both as red cards. Libbok look worse then it actually was. Unfortunately only out for two weeks. I saw our worst nightmare in Jurie Matthee and Salman Moerat travelled up north. Harlequins by 50.Uncle fester wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2024 12:02 pmSaw the legal tackle and was wondering if it was that.laurent wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2024 11:47 amGot destroyed by Youyoute.
The ref red carded him but there was a blocking runner so not sure how it'll go in commission.
Also was flattened by the smallest man on the field just before Serin's try.
That's one of those "would you prefer a punch in the face or kick in the balls" type of judgements
Look...I can understand that he is a nice guy etc. Has captaincy credentials ( which I am querying now that I saw how he was fast tracked into Springbok captaincy )OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2024 2:37 pmIf it was the Scots they would claim both as red cards. Libbok look worse then it actually was. Unfortunately only out for two weeks. I saw our worst nightmare in Jurie Matthee and Salman Moerat travelled up north. Harlequins by 50.Uncle fester wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2024 12:02 pmSaw the legal tackle and was wondering if it was that.laurent wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2024 11:47 am
Got destroyed by Youyoute.
The ref red carded him but there was a blocking runner so not sure how it'll go in commission.
Also was flattened by the smallest man on the field just before Serin's try.
Thanks, is that Jan and March inclusive, or just from end of Jan until middle/end of March?
During the 6 Nations I suppose. They said each player will be differentTheNatalShark wrote: Wed Dec 11, 2024 8:10 amThanks, is that Jan and March inclusive, or just from end of Jan until middle/end of March?
Think the Sat/Sun games are all release at 1300 GMT
That Saints side is just about as strong a team that they could put out especially with Mitchell returned from injury.OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2024 3:13 pm Sat, 14 Dec 2024 - 15:00
Loftus Versfeld
SuperSport / Premier Sports / beIN SPORTS / FloRugby
Referee
: Luc Ramos
(Fra)
AR1
: Adrien Marbot
(Fra)
AR2
: Jeremy Rozier
(Fra)
TMO
: Thomas Charabas
(Fra)
Vodacom Bulls
15. Willie le Roux, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Canan Moodie, 12. David Kriel, 11. Devon Williams, 10. Johan Goosen, 9. Embrose Papier, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 5. JF van Heerden, 6. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Elrigh Louw (c), 8. Cameron Hanekom
Replacements:
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17. Alulutho Tshakweni, 18. Francois Klopper, 19. Deon Slabbert, 20. Nama Xaba, 21. Zak Burger, 22. Boeta Chamberlain, 23. Stedman Gans
Northampton Saints
15. George Furbank (c), 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Fraser Dingwall, 12. Rory Hutchinson, 11. Ollie Sleightholme, 10. Fin Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Emmanuel Iyogun, 2. Curtis Langdon, 3. Elliot Millar-Mills, 4. Temo Mayanavanua, 5. Tom Lockett, 6. Alex Coles, 7. Henry Pollock, 8. Juarno Augustus
Replacements:
16. Craig Wright, 17. Tarek Haffar, 18. Trevor Davison, 19. Chunya Munga, 20. Angus Scott-Young, 21. Tom Pearson, 22. Archie McParland, 23. George Hendy
Fuck, my brother and I can beat that Stormers pack! £75 a ticketOomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2024 3:06 pm DHL Stormers
15. Clayton Blommetjies, 14. Angelo Davids, 13. Wandisile Simelane, 12. Jean-Luc du Plessis, 11. Seabelo Senatla, 10. Jurie Matthee, 9. Stefan Ungerer, 1. Vernon Matongo, 2. JJ Kotze, 3. Sazi Sandi, 4. Salmaan Moerat (c), 5. Connor Evans, 6. Dave Ewers, 7. Louw Nel, 8. Willie Engelbrecht
Replacements:
16. Andre-Hugo Venter, 17. Leon Lyons, 18. Corne Weilbach, 19. Gary Porter, 20. Paul de Villiers, 21. Dewaldt Duvenage, 22. Jonathan Roche, 23. JC Mars
Packed with Bergies.Sandstorm wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2024 3:57 pmFuck, my brother and I can beat that Stormers pack! £75 a ticketOomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2024 3:06 pm DHL Stormers
15. Clayton Blommetjies, 14. Angelo Davids, 13. Wandisile Simelane, 12. Jean-Luc du Plessis, 11. Seabelo Senatla, 10. Jurie Matthee, 9. Stefan Ungerer, 1. Vernon Matongo, 2. JJ Kotze, 3. Sazi Sandi, 4. Salmaan Moerat (c), 5. Connor Evans, 6. Dave Ewers, 7. Louw Nel, 8. Willie Engelbrecht
Replacements:
16. Andre-Hugo Venter, 17. Leon Lyons, 18. Corne Weilbach, 19. Gary Porter, 20. Paul de Villiers, 21. Dewaldt Duvenage, 22. Jonathan Roche, 23. JC Mars![]()